String Buying Guide
Badminton string buying guide – choose the right string and tension
Stringing influences feedback, repulsion, control, comfort and durability. The most important factors are string gauge, surface, elasticity and tension.
This guide helps you choose a badminton string that suits your playing level, contact consistency and personal priorities.
Badminton expert with more than 35 years of advisory and stringing experience. He assesses player suitability, durability, racket limits, sensible tension and the long-term value of a setup.
Bundesliga player and 2024 German U22 men’s singles runner-up. Kjell adds current feedback on response, repulsion, control, tension feel and performance-oriented stringing setups.
Quick recommendations by player type
These recommendations are guidance rather than a fixed ranking. Racket, technique, contact, tension and personal preference also influence the result.
| Player type or priority | Suitable direction | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners and occasional players | Durable string with a forgiving feel | Yonex BG65 or a comparable 0.70 mm string |
| Club players and all-rounders | Balanced speed, feedback and durability | Yonex BG80, EXBOLT 65 or VICTOR VBS-66N |
| Fast doubles and drive play | Thin and responsive string | Yonex EXBOLT 63 or a comparable 0.63 mm string |
| Direct and precise feel | Textured or firmer performance string | Yonex BG80 |
| Speed with balanced durability | Thin to medium-thin all-round string | Yonex EXBOLT 65 or VICTOR VBS-66N |
| Hybrid setup | Different main and cross strings | Yonex AEROBITE |
The listed models are expert examples. A specific string is only described as tested by Kjell when he has actually used and assessed it over a sufficient period.
How string gauge affects performance
Thinner strings normally respond faster and provide lively feedback. They also contain less material and may break earlier after off-centre contact or heavy use.
Thicker strings are generally more durable and suit players who prioritise lifespan or do not want frequent restringing.
Very thin performance strings for fast drives, quick response and lively feedback.
Popular range for club players balancing speed, control and durability.
Stable all-round strings with a direct and controlled character.
Durable choice for beginners, schools, training groups and heavy use.
Thinner is not automatically better
A very thin string may feel fast and precise, but repeated off-centre contact normally shortens its lifespan.
A more durable string is often more economical for beginners, schools and intensive group training. Advanced players can benefit from thinner strings when they can use the additional feedback and accept more frequent replacement.
Surface, construction and playing feel
| Feature | Typical feel | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth surface | Lively response and quick string movement | Drives, fast doubles and reaction play |
| Textured surface | More direct and distinctive feedback | Placement and controlled attacking play |
| Elastic construction | More comfortable and springy feel | Players wanting support with length and acceleration |
| Firm construction | Clearer and harder feedback | Experienced players with clean contact |
Choosing the right string tension
Lower tension normally feels more comfortable and forgiving. Higher tension provides a more direct and precise response but requires cleaner contact.
| General range | Typical characteristics | Often suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. 8–9.5 kg | Comfortable and comparatively forgiving | Beginners, recreational players and juniors |
| Approx. 9.5–11 kg | Balanced comfort and directness | Regular recreational and club players |
| Approx. 11–12.5 kg | Direct, precise and more demanding | Experienced players with clean technique |
Higher tension is not automatically a performance advantage. A setup only provides more usable control when contact, technique and physical load match it. Compare setups over several training sessions rather than judging only the first firm response.
Never exceed the maximum permitted tension for the exact racket model and weight class. Always check the approved limit for the specific 3U, 4U, 5U or 6U version.
Popular badminton strings compared
| String | Gauge | Character | Particularly suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yonex BG65 | 0.70 mm | Durable and proven | Beginners, schools, training and durability |
| Yonex BG80 | 0.68 mm | Direct, textured and responsive | Club players and precise attacking play |
| Yonex EXBOLT 63 | 0.63 mm | Very fast and lively | Drives, fast doubles and experienced players |
| Yonex EXBOLT 65 | 0.65 mm | Fast feedback with balanced character | Ambitious all-round and attacking players |
| VICTOR VBS-66N | 0.66 mm | Elastic and versatile | Fast club and all-round play |
| Yonex AEROBITE | 0.67 / 0.61 mm | Hybrid main and cross strings | Players wanting distinctive feedback |
10-metre set or 200-metre reel?
10-metre set
Ideal for one restring or testing a new string. A standard set normally contains enough material for one badminton racket.
View 10-metre badminton string sets200-metre reel
Economical choice for clubs, home stringers, frequent players, professional stringers and players with several rackets.
View 200-metre badminton string reelsWhen should a badminton string be replaced?
A string may lose tension, feedback and precision before it actually breaks. Watch for:
- visible fraying or deep notches,
- a noticeably softer or less precise feel,
- unusually strong string movement after rallies,
- noticeable loss of control and feedback,
- a broken string.
Cut out the remaining strings promptly and as evenly as possible so that one-sided tension does not remain on the racket frame.
Buy string or use a professional stringing service?
Sets and reels suit experienced home stringers or players taking their preferred string to a stringer. Racket World strings new rackets from the shop and used badminton rackets sent to our Hamburg workshop.
Frequently asked questions about badminton strings
Which badminton string suits beginners?
A durable string around 0.70 mm is normally a sensible starting point because it withstands off-centre contact better than a very thin performance string.
Does a thinner string automatically provide more power?
No. Thin strings often feel livelier, but technique, contact, tension and racket characteristics strongly affect the result.
Is high string tension better?
No. Higher tension feels more direct but is less forgiving and requires clean technique and consistent contact.
Is ten metres enough for one badminton racket?
A standard 10-metre set is normally intended for one complete badminton restring.
Which badminton string lasts longest?
Thicker strings designed for durability generally provide more material reserve. Lifespan also depends on tension, contact, grommets, storage and playing intensity.
Choose badminton string and tension to suit your game
Compare gauge, playing feel, durability and tension and choose a setup that suits your racket and technical level.
Racket World: badminton specialist from Hamburg · more than 35 years of experience · personal advice · professional stringing service
Last technically reviewed: July 2026
